W. Anthony Jones, Persecution! Just as clear water run and green grass grows, persecution is coming. As a Christian, you were promised many things; one of these things are persecution. The word Persecution is derived from a Greek word signifying to pursue, and generally implies pursuing a person for the sake of his goodness, or God's good-will to him. You may have been persecuted because of your Christianity. I have some bad news, it is not going to get any better. Paul tells Timothy in II Timothy 3:1, “that in the last days perilous times shall (will) come”. We are in the last days and the Bible tells us, that we will be hated because of Jesus. If you’re not a serious follower of Jesus, and if you’re a Christian in name only, then you don’t have to worry about persecution. Paul also tells us in II Timothy 3:12, “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall (will) suffer persecution.” There is a saying that goes, I’m ruff and I’m tuff and I don’t take no stuff. Well In God’s army, you have be ruff, tuff, and you have take a whole lot of stuff. Persecution is just one of those things. So how to deal with persecution when it comes? Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This is not as easy as it sounds. Apostle Paul said, “It’s not I but the Christ that lives in me.” If Christ lives inside of you, you can love your enemies. Philippians 4:13 says, “It’s can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” Jesus prayed for those who persecuted Him. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).” Jesus knew that many who persecuted the godly are doing so in ignorance. We need to learn how to forgive as Jesus forgave us (Colossians 3:13). Persecution comes with an hundredfold blessing (Mark 10:30). Just as criticism comes with the leadership package, so does persecution come with the blessing package. Your family or your best friend/friends may walk away from you, God want. Remember that in the midst of your persecution, Jesus gave you a promise, “that He will never ever leave you, nor will He forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).” And that’s the simple gospel.

“Changing Tomorrow,

Today!”